Toronto Blue Jays scoop up player who was brutally axed from last team on birthday

Professional sports can often be a cutthroat business, something Ben Cowles learned late last week.

Cowles turned 26 on Sunday and was also placed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs that same day. It wasn't quite the birthday gift he would have been hoping for, though he did get some good news on Wednesday.

The Blue Jays claimed Cowles off waivers on Wednesday afternoon. In a subsequent move, Bowden Francis has been transferred to the 60-day IL. The 29-year-old has already been ruled out for the entire season ahead due to Tommy John surgery.

ROSTER MOVES:

🔹 We’ve claimed INF Ben Cowles off waivers from the Cubs

🔹 RHP Bowden Francis placed on 60-day IL (right UCL reconstruction) pic.twitter.com/fUxmbBZEQc

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 18, 2026

Cowles was selected in the tenth round of the 2021 draft by the New York Yankees. He remained with the organization until 2024, when he was traded alongside Jack Neely to the Cubs in exchange for Mark Leiter Jr.

Cowles spent the entire 2025 season in Triple A, where he hit .235 with nine home runs and 49 RBI in 128 games. He also stole 18 bases while being walked 38 times. 

Cowles, who is said to crush breaking balls, can play shortstop, second, and third base. The Jays infield is a crowded one at this time, though he does provide them with some more depth.

After advancing to the World Series last season, the Blue Jays have their sights set on winning it all in 2026. They have been able to make some key additions to their lineup, most notably signing starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal.

The Blue Jays will begin their 2026 season with a three-game homestand versus the Athletics beginning on March 27.